Bull bars/light racks (frontal protection systems)

These requirements apply to both integrated systems (original equipment) and units fitted later (aftermarket equipment).

These requirements must be satisfied; if not, using the vehicle is illegal.

The rules apply to:

bull bars

grille guards with/without mounted headlights (light racks)

other systems mounted on the front of the vehicle

Special structures with a maximum weight of 0.5 kg that are designed only to protect the headlights are exempt.

Documentation requiredIf you have frontal protection equipment that satisfies the requirements, you must be able to produce documentation to this effect upon request. Such documentation must:

include the vehicle's chassis number or make/model

be issued by the or a vehicle manufacturerqualified, independent laboratory

Approval of aftermarket equipmentOnly equipment that meets the requirements may be fitted to the vehicle. When this has been done, the vehicle must be taken to a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office for approval. Once approved, the changes made to the vehicle will be in conformity with the vehicle registration certificate as required.

ExceptionsIf a frontal protection system is EC type approved, it is not necessary to take the vehicle to a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office for approval. Documentation verifying that the equipment meets the given requirements must be kept with the vehicle registration certificate. The EC type-approval sticker must be indelible (lasting) and easily readable.

These rules came into effect in 2005, and until 25 May 2007 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Offices could approve equipment that did not comply with the regulations. If your frontal protection equipment has been approved, you must keep the approval from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office with your vehicle registration certificate and produce it when asked to show your documents.